Drivers urged not to wear hot weather accessory as woman almost dies

Hair claw clips can cause serious injuries in a car accident, with documented cases of drivers being hospitalised after crashes

Drivers are being urged to ditch a particular item before getting behind the wheel, as it poses a distraction risk and could result in severe injury in a collision. Several motorists have had close calls while wearing them, prompting safety alerts for fellow road users.

Certain accessories pose additional hazards that may cause serious harm. With further warm weather predicted this week, numerous long-haired drivers will be tying their locks back to remain comfortable and maintain concentration on the road.

Yet one popular hair accessory could put your life at risk if worn while driving. While hair claw clips offer convenience, they have the potential to cause substantial injuries should you be involved in a road traffic collision.

The hazards associated with claw clips stem primarily from the distractions they create, their pointed edges, and the materials used in their construction. When motorists fiddle with or reposition their claw clip while at the wheel, they inadvertently take their eyes off the road.

During a collision, hair clips can be hazardous, as they may become airborne projectiles or embed in the rear of the driver’s skull. Publications have previously documented cases involving these hair accessories, reports the Mirror.

On 24 January 2023, Jeena Panesar secured her hair in a claw clip before entering her vehicle. Tragically, she found herself fearing for her life when it sliced through her scalp and became lodged in her head following a crash.

While returning home from her workplace in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, her vehicle struck a tree amid dense fog, slid for 50 metres, before overturning. The force of the collision propelled Jeena into the roof, embedding the clip in her head.

Medical staff removed the clip at the hospital, revealing a substantial 30cm laceration extending from her left eyebrow to the rear of her head. The trauma resulted in lasting muscle impairment and the loss of mobility in her eyebrow.

Following a three-day hospital stay, Panesar turned to TikTok to recount her experience and warn others about the dangers of wearing claw clips while driving. Healthcare professionals and road safety campaigners have supported her message, highlighting that the rigid construction of claw clips can generate dangerous pressure points during collisions or airbag deployment.

Similarly, in March 2023, Paisley Riley suffered a severe incident where the rigid plastic claw clip she was wearing became deeply lodged in the back of her skull. She required five staples to close the wound.

Paisley’s cautionary TikTok clip attracted over 59 million views, sparking a significant online movement with medical experts and fellow accident survivors urging women to refrain from wearing rigid clips while driving or travelling in vehicles.

Rule 97 of the Highway Code stipulates that “drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate the controls properly.” It’s crucial that your attire doesn’t compromise your capacity to drive safely.

Donning restrictive garments or inappropriate footwear could result in losing control of your vehicle or potentially causing a collision. Should this occur, you may face charges of careless or inconsiderate driving. In the most serious circumstances, this could result in a penalty of up to £5,000, alongside nine penalty points being added to your driving licence.

Take out rigid hair clips and store them in the glove compartment or cup holder. Choose soft, flexible accessories like elastic hair ties or scrunchies while behind the wheel.